County grants one-time funding for cemetery upkeep

As a one-time occurrence, Ponoka County has granted $3,000 to Gerard and Mary Hollman to be used in the brushing and upgrading of Bismark Cemetery as well as repairing its fences and providing proper signage.

The Hollmans have taken over management of the cemetery and will be keeping Otto Brachmann, who used to maintain the cemetery, on as advisor.

County supports youth triathlon

The Ponoka Emergency Tri-Services, in partnership with the Rotary Club has been given $300 by Ponoka County.

The money will support incentive prize draws for the participants of the Ponoka Emergency Tri-Services’ Youth Triathlon.

The event will be open to youths between the ages of six and 18 and will be held on June 17.

Rimbey pool grand opening June 15

Rimbey’s new aquatic centre grand opening will take place June 15 at 1:30 p.m.

The event will start with speeches, followed by a ribbon cutting.

In celebration of the opening the aquatic centre will be open to the public for free swimming between 3 and 8 p.m.

County taxes remain among lowest

Tax notices have been issued and Coun. Gordon Svenningsen is proud that, due to a low mill rate, taxes have stayed low.

“Overall we collected the same amount of tax revenue,” says county administrator Charlie Cutforth.

Coun. Paul McLauchlin says that not only does Ponoka County have a low mill rate but is also free of debt, a very rare combination.

The county’s tax levy equals just over $23.6 million.

County dollars may flow to lake

Ponoka County will pay $40,000 to the Gull Lake Water Stabilization Fund.

There is a possibility that pumping will not be needed this year. However, if that happens to be the case the money will be put in reserve for when pumping is required.

County supports projects

The bridge culvert on Iola Road will be installed after July 1, due to permitting.

Bridge 6939, on range road 20, south of the Anderson Gravel Pit, is still limited to five tonne traffic. It is awaiting design and approval.

Other county projects include the ground preparation for the base of Ponoka’s splash park, the Ponoka Stampede Association’s track repair project and Liberty Hall’s ground preparations for a new hall.

Rezoning request approved

A rezoning request by Dallas McDougall, for 5.2 acres of land north of township road 4, along range road 270A, has been approved.

There were no objections by neighboring landowners regarding the rezoning of the area.

The land had been subdivided in the past, and then consolidated. However, some neighbors believed the land was still subdivided.

Wild pigs reported in Ponoka area

According to Coun. Gawney Hinkley there is a problem with wild pigs around the Ponoka area.

A herd of more than 10 has been spotted. The pigs can be mean and dangerous.

Internet tower turned on

The Internet tower that was being constructed east of Ponoka is now up and fully functional.

“It’s good enough to service the area that was having problems,” said Svenningsen.